The Hold Steady

Meticulously detailed songs about addicts and liars have been Craig Finn's calling card since the Hold Steady first formed, but the slacker side of life that he's singing (or talking) about hasn't rubbed off on him. The band's album-a-year recording schedule and relentless touring bespeak a work ethic that borders on the compulsive, with new material expanding their already considerable popularity while keeping established fans satisfied. The unlikely pairing of hyper-literate lyrics with blue-collar bar-rock pushed the Hold Steady to the top of the indie world, and their sold-out First Ave show is testament that their hard work continues to pay off. With the Meat Puppets and Retribution Gospel Choir. 18+. (Photo by Mark Seliger)
Wed., Dec. 29, 7 p.m., 2010